Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp - Health Spa - Monestic Medicine
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp - Health Spa - Monestic Medicine

Spiritual Healing

Monastic Medicine Retreats

A sense of profound spiritual healing imbues this place where the monastic spirit of hospitality and service lives on. Although no longer visited by plague and leprosy like our medieval forebears, we instead suffer from stress, burn-out and fatigue. These are all work- or lifestyle-related symptoms that are known to benefit from a spiritual approach to healing.

The monks who first established this place of healing and hospitality in the 13th century sourced medicine from their garden. We now know the science was sound, yet for them, growing and using plants, vegetables and herbs was simply part of a profound spiritual practice.

Monastic medicine
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp 5-star superior Leading Hotels of the World

Fast forward to the 16th century and Peeter van Coudenberghe, Antwerp’s famous botanist and pharmacist, whose garden on this same site became the precursor to the Botanical Garden. Still growing. Still healing. Still exploring.

Throughout its history, this has been a place of therapy, of hospitality and of herbal lore. Always adding to the treasure trove of knowledge, yet always maintaining its green roots of tranquillity.

Right to the roots, the Botanical Garden and monastic heritage are integral to our Botanic Health Spa culture. A holistic concept that reflects a healthy approach to life based on Phytotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Traditional European Medicine (TEM) and ancient Monastic Medicine (MM).

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp - 5-star superior Hotel - LHW - The Sanctuary - Events
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp - 5-star superior Hotel - LHW - The Sanctuary - Garden

Retreats and workshops offer additional dimensions for self-exploration and spiritual growth. Yoga, meditation, breathwork and mindfulness classes connect body and mind to reduce stress, re-energise, and increase overall wellbeing.

Discover a new chapter in our monastic history in the Botanic’s Saint Charles store where Traditional European Medicine meets modern insights. Indulge yourself with beautiful, natural products that evoke the spirit of the monks and nuns who once brought healing and hospitality to both the townsfolk and travellers.

Cultivate Spiritual Healing

Nature & Nurture

Nurture vitality in the body, wisdom in the soul, and clarity in the mind. Our seasonal Botanic Health Spa retreats with spiritual and unconventional healers aim to restore your natural equilibrium. Retreats and workshops offer additional dimensions for self-exploration and spiritual growth. Yoga, meditation, breathwork and mindfulness classes connect body and mind to reduce stress, re-energise, and increase overall wellbeing.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp - Health Spa - Monestic Medicine
The Body and Spirit of Monastic Medicine

We believe there is a wealth of ancient knowledge to be found within the tradition of Monastic Medicine that opens up a wealth of life-improving potential. Today’s medical system tends to look to standard practice when treating physical or psychiatric symptoms, rather than taking a more personalised approach. Perhaps consequently, we now see a renewed interest in monastic traditions. Healing isn’t just administered from outside, it comes about by uniting mind, body and spirit. Curing the body and caring for the soul are at the heart of the Botanic Health Spa’s Monastic Medicine retreats.

5 Principles of Monastic Medicine

  • Meeting the resurgence in consumer awareness and demand for natural and alternative remedies.

  • Developing a stronger focus on individualised health in both assessment and outcomes.

  • Intensifying research into the use of herbs and botanicals for both preventative and restorative healthcare.

  • Increasing transparency by sharing knowledge and making information more accessible.

  • Facilitating personal empowerment by means of lifestyle design and natural alternatives to replace patterns of symptomatic relief with systemic, holistic health.

We see the Botanic Health Spa as a driving force behind the wider sharing of information that also offers resources to those who seek change.

BOTANIC’S APOTHECARY
Botanic Health Spa Antwerp Customised Journeys

Botanic Health Spa Treatment Menu
Botanic Health Spa Treatment Menu